Before you turn your basement into an extra living space, you need to understand building codes. These rules are either set by your homeowners’ association or the state, and they determine what kind of building materials, insulation, changes and structural changes are allowed.
JLR Home Exteriors Improvement, the area’s top remodeling contractor, explains more below.
Structural Changes
Check with your local building department to find out if your basement remodeling plan can include changes to load-bearing walls or to support columns. Overlooking a few things during this process can put your home at risk of collapse. To avoid this, you might have to hire a structural engineer to assess your home’s structure and review your remodeling plan.
Electrical Changes
Some cities require a building permit for basement remodeling that should include an electrical plan. Before you can secure the permit, the authorities will likely need to inspect your electrical and plumbing plans. To make sure you pass your electrical inspection, keep in mind that the national electric code requires outlets on walls every 12 feet and on any wall wider than 24 inches. In addition, ground fault current interrupter outlets should be placed above countertops and in bathrooms.
Mechanical Systems
Finally, if you have heating and cooling units in the basement, make sure the proper installation guidelines are followed. You might have to separate the areas in your basement where these devices are from the rest of the basement or use a ventilation system to keep them from overheating.
JLR Home Exteriors Improvement is your authority in basement and bathroom remodeling in PA. To experience the difference, call us at (717) 306-9555 to learn more about our services and products or to schedule a free in-home consultation. We serve homeowners in Elizabethtown, Hummelstown and Hershey, PA.